THE ORIGINS OF WORLD WAR I (I) From the European balance of power (Otto Von Bismarck managed to achieve lasting peace during the 19 th Century)...to Imperialism, European nations engaged in a race for empire (German Imperialism vs. British Imperialism). 1871: The German Empire, proclamation ceremony in Versailles. Alsace-Lorraine incorporation into the German territory. Rivalry between French and German nationalisms. A significant cause of European tension prior to World War I was the continued instability and conflict in the Balkans. The Balkans were a cluster of nations in eastern Europe, between the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires. Their location made the Balkans strategically important, so European powers were focused on events there. The alliance system in Europe served as a major cause of War. This system led to the division of Europe into two antagonistic power blocs. The Triple Entente (France, Russia, Great Britain) vs. The Dual alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary and then triple with Italy. Political tensions emerged in the years immediately preceding the First World War.

THE ORIGINS OF WORLD WAR I (II) CAUSES (I) –The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand signalled the rapid slide into world war, but this wasn't the only cause. There were underlying causes in the run-up to the First World War. Nationalism –The belief that your country is better than others. –This made nations assertive and aggressive. The growth of German power –in Central Europe challenged Great Powers (France, Great Britain and Russia) Imperialism –The desire to conquer colonies, especially in Africa. –International competition among European countries for colonies and economic markets.

THE ORIGINS OF WORLD WAR I (II) CAUSES (II) –The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand signalled the rapid slide into world war, but this wasn't the only cause. There were underlying causes in the run-up to the First World War. Militarism (Arms Race) –the attempt to build up a strong army and navy gave nations the means and will to make war. Naval rivalry between Great Britain and Germany. Alliances –Breakdown of the European Treaty system and the 19th Century “Balance of Power”. In 1882, Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy formed the Triple Alliance. This alarmed, France, Britain and Russia. By 1907, they had all joined the Triple Entente. Europe was divided into two armed camps, to help each other if there was a war.

THE ORIGINS OF WORLD WAR I (III) EVENTS LEADING TO WORLD WAR I –The more immediate cause for the war was tensions over territory in the Balkans. Austria-Hungary competed with Serbia and Russia for territory and influence in the region and they pulled the rest of the Great Powers into the conflict through their various alliances and treaties. –Russia’s strategic position was threatened by an expanding Turkish military and Russia wanted a way out into the Mediterranean. –Leaders wanted their countries to grow strong and rich and many of them thought that the best way to achieve this was to grab what they wanted from other countries and if necessary, to fight wars. 28 June 1914 – Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in Sarajevo. July 1914 – Austrians send ultimatum to Serbia with German support. July 1914 – Austria declares war on Serbia. August 1914 – WWI begins.